Skincare for Teens: Acne, Hormones, and Healthy Habits

Skincare for Teens: Acne, Hormones, and Healthy Habits

This is usually the stage where emotions enter the skincare conversation.

Teens become more aware of their appearance. Hormones start to fluctuate. Skin begins to behave differently — sometimes dramatically. And parents often feel caught between wanting to help and not wanting to make things worse.

I want to start by normalizing something: teenage skin is supposed to change. Acne, oiliness, congestion, and even occasional inflammation are not failures of hygiene or care. They are signs of a body learning how to regulate itself during a period of intense hormonal activity.

What often causes trouble isn’t acne itself — it’s how aggressively we try to get rid of it.

Teen skin produces more oil, but it also becomes easier to irritate. When breakouts appear, many teens respond by scrubbing harder, washing more often, and layering products meant to “dry everything out.” Parents, understandably, want quick solutions.

Unfortunately, this is where skin barriers begin to break down.

Over-cleansing and harsh treatments don’t calm acne. They inflame it.

When the skin barrier is disrupted, oil production actually increases to compensate.

Inflammation deepens. Breakouts linger longer. Redness becomes constant. What started as mild acne can become something far more frustrating — and emotionally draining.

At this age, skincare should still be simple, even when acne is present.

Cleansing should happen gently, once or twice a day at most. Skin should feel clean after washing, not tight or stripped. If it feels uncomfortable, that cleanser is too harsh — no matter what the label promises.

Moisturizer often surprises teens and parents alike. Many believe oily or acne-prone skin shouldn’t be moisturized, but the opposite is usually true. When the skin barrier is supported, inflammation decreases, and breakouts often become easier to manage.

Sunscreen continues to matter, especially for teens using any acne treatments. Sun exposure worsens inflammation and increases the risk of long-term skin damage, even if acne is the main concern right now.

One of the most important habits teens can learn is patience.

Skin does not change overnight. Acne treatments take weeks to show improvement, not days. Constantly switching products resets progress and keeps the skin in a state of stress. Consistency is far more powerful than intensity.

This is also the stage where I encourage parents to involve professionals sooner rather than later if acne becomes persistent, painful, or emotionally distressing. Guidance doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It means the skin deserves support instead of trial-and-error experimentation.

And just as important as the products is the conversation around them.

Teen skincare should never be framed as fixing a flaw. Acne is not a personal failure. It is a phase — one that passes more smoothly when the skin is treated with respect instead of frustration.

When teens learn that caring for their skin is about health, not perfection, they build confidence that extends far beyond their reflection.

Clearer skin is a wonderful outcome. But calmer skin — and a calmer relationship with it — is the real goal.

May your teen learn to care for their skin with patience and kindness.

~ Dr. Lazuk

CEO & Co-Founder

Dr. Lazuk Esthetics® Cosmetics®

Entertainment-only medical disclaimer

This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Individual skin needs vary and should be evaluated by a licensed professional.

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• 0%Acne and breakouts
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